weal1
/
wiːl/
n.
a red, swollen mark left on flesh by a blow or pressure.
▸Medicine a temporarily raised and reddened area of skin, usually accompanied by itching.
v.
mark with a weal.
Etymology
C19: var. of wale, influenced by obs. wheal ‘suppurate’.
weal2
/
wiːl/
n.
formal that which is best for someone or something:
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guardians of the public weal.
Etymology
OE wela ‘wealth, well-being’, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to well1.
